"No."

  Arianne blinked, surprised by the unexpected firmness of Lucas' answer.

  "No?" she repeated in a slightly surprised voice.

  Lucas looked his mother straight in the eyes, with a calm and confident expression.

  "I don't want to visit the capital now. I can visit it later... a thousand times if I have to," he replied calmly.

  "Mother... you know very well that a trip with my brother will almost never happen. "

  His voice remained calm, but his gaze burned with a determination that could not be taken away from him.

  "You know the royal duties that will await me later... and you know that once I am bound by them, these duties will prevent me from sharing such moments. "

  At that moment, Lucas gave Dayvon a discreet look, as if he was silently looking for support. Dayvon, upon meeting his gaze, immediately understood the message and sighed inwardly.

  As Dayvon pondered the possibility of taking Lucas with him, the latter calmly added:

  "Please, Mother... let me travel with Dayvon. I promise you that I will not bother him, and that I will remain silent. But let me go, I beg you. "

  Arianne kept an impassive look in the face of Lucas' words. However, seeing him act like this, a hint of hesitation stirred in her heart. In her son's eyes burned a flame much like the one she once had at his age, and her maternal instinct collided with her duty as queen.

  She opened her lips slightly, ready to answer. But before a word left her lips, another voice rose in the room.

  "Mother. "

  Dayvon, silent until then, had calmly straightened up and stared at Arianne with a relaxed look. His tone was neither abrupt nor soft; he simply carried the weight of a long reflection.

  "I fully understand your concerns," he said, taking a brief look at Lucas.

  "But as Lucas said, he will be able to see the capital as many times as he wants... on the other hand, a fraternal trip is an opportunity that will rarely present itself. "

  Arianne slowly closed her mouth, slightly surprised by Dayvon's intervention. She gave him calculating look, but Dayvon calmly supported him with a slight smile.

  "After all," Dayvon continued,

  "Discovering a province for its first outing outside the palace could be an enriching experience. And even if this trip has a serious purpose, I think we can find a compromise so that Lucas does not interfere in the mission. "

  He paused slightly before adding, lower, as if to support his argument:

  "For example... if Arden comes with us. You know as well as I do that with him by our side, no danger can reach Lucas. "

  Arianne remained silent for a moment, reflecting on Dayvon's words. The argument was solid, and she could not ignore Arden's presence.

  Finally, she let out a slight sigh of resignation. Closing her eyes for a few seconds, she said calmly:

  "You really don't lack audacity, my boys..."

  She opened her eyes again and stared at Lucas.

  "Very good. I will not object to you accompanying your brother, Lucas. "

  At these words, Lucas suddenly straightened up, let out a little cry of joy. With his eyes shining with a victorious gleam, he threw himself into his mother's arms, smiling.

  Arianne, slightly surprised, felt the warmth of her son against her. She finally let a tender smile bloom on her lips and hugged him in turn. She put a protective hand on Lucas' head, savoring this brief moment of maternal happiness.

  Then, in a calm and tender voice, she added:

  "But first of all... Dayvon will have to speak with your father. It is he who will decide the exact terms of the trip. "

  Dayvon, who observed the scene between Lucas and Arianne with a tender air, let a smile appear on his lips before answering calmly:

  "Don't worry, mother. I will explain all the details to father, and I will make sure he approves this decision. "

  A few hours later - Raphael's office:

  Night had fallen on the capital, Grinrelis, and its streets were lively as usual.

  While the population lived carefree within the capital, in Raphael's office, the atmosphere was slightly less relaxed.

  In his vast office, illuminated by the flickering glow of candles, the curtains shut out the noise of the outside world. Shelves loaded with books and royal parchments framed the large oak desk, where maps and official documents were piled up.

  Raphael, dressed in a white royal outfit, accompanied by a white jacket with golden epaulettes, was sitting behind his desk covered with documents.

  When Dayvon arrived in his office, Raphael remained calm, his fingers steepled before his face as he listened to his son's story about Lucas. But the more the story progressed, the more his eyebrows slowly furrowed, and the soft glow of the candles no longer softened the shadow that crossed his gaze.

  Hallan, who was also present in the room at that time, remained silent throughout Dayvon's story. But when Dayvon had finished telling his story, his face also darkened slightly.

  "Well, well... I wonder where he gets this behavior from," said Hallan calmly, while casting a slightly accusatory glance toward Rapha?l.

  After Hallan's words, Raphael, feeling this discreet look, lightly massaged his forehead, then sighed deeply.

  "This boy..."

  Rapha?l then ran a hand through his hair, pushing it back.

  "Why did he have to inherit this behavior?" he said with a slightly embarrassed look.

  Hallan stared at him for a moment, and with a slight smile on his lips, he added peacefully:

  "At least he asks for permission instead of vanishing overnight. "

  At these words, Raphael froze instantly.

  Dayvon, observing this teasing scene, lowered his head slightly, and kept a respectful silence.

  After a moment, Rapha?l finally let out a slight sigh and straightened up in his seat, gradually regaining his seriousness.

  "Well... since your mother agreed, I won't oppose it either," he said in a measured tone.

  His gaze then fell on Dayvon.

  "But tell me, what exactly have you planned for Lucas during this trip?"

  Dayvon, who had anticipated the question, replied without hesitation:

  "As you know, we have already sent a missive to the count to inform him of my official visit, for an indefinite duration. I will present myself with royal guards, while the Knights of the Ebony Rose will work in the shadows to avoid drawing attention."

  He paused briefly, then added calmly:

  "As for Lucas and Arden, I planned for them to travel with us throughout the journey, but as soon as we approach the city, we will discreetly separate. That way, they can infiltrate the city without drawing attention."

  "And even if Arden is more than enough to ensure Lucas' safety, I asked the Order of the Royal Knights to warn some young aspirants close to Webster County of Lucas' presence. Thus, some will be able to watch over him discreetly. "

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Hallan smiled slightly as he listened to the clarity of Dayvon's plan, while Raphael nodded slowly.

  "Hm. Not bad," Raphael replied in an approving tone.

  Then, turning to Hallan, he added:

  "Can you help conceal Arden and Lucas's identities? With their appearance, they will never go unnoticed. And if I remember correctly, you have a spell that allows you to change the color of your hair and eyes."

  Hallan sketched an amused smile.

  "It seems that you remember the spell we often used. But you're right, if I use this spell, even those with an extraordinary view won't suspect a thing."

  Dayvon tilted his head slightly, happy with this sudden collaboration.

  "Thank you, father. This will allow Arden and Lucas to move freely. "

  At these words, Raphael smiled slightly, but the next second, he put his two hands on the desk, his gaze becoming a little more serious.

  "By the way, Dayvon… always keep an eye on your brother. Even from afar."

  He let a brief silence pass, then added, in a deeper voice:

  "I think it's time for you to know."

  "In the history of our lineage, there have been cases where individuals awakened the power of our blood prematurely. We were never explained the real dangers of a premature awakening, but our ancestors were able to inform us of certain conditions that can precipitate this awakening."

  "If one of these conditions were to be met outside the palace, we have absolutely no idea what the repercussions could be."

  "That's why during this trip, you will have to watch your brother to prevent these conditions from occurring."

  "And among these conditions, one of them is...

  Two days later - Royal Domain:

  Dawn had barely broken over the royal estate. A cool breeze swept through the vast principal courtyard, gently snapping the banners bearing the symbols of Ingrissia. The scent of the morning, mixed with the scent of fresh leather from the harnesses, filled the vibrant atmosphere of the principal courtyard.

  Three richly decorated white carriages were lined up near the main entrance, each attached to two powerful impatient horses, their hooves striking against the cobblestones.

  The first carriage, at the head of the convoy, was reserved for the transport of many travel luggage. In the back, the third carriage welcomed a small group of carefully selected servants, responsible for assisting Dayvon throughout his stay with the count.

  At the center of the procession was the royal carriage, recognizable among thousands : its majestic appearance, the golden engravings that adorned its flanks and especially its royal banners fluttering in the wind gave it an imposing presence.

  While servants and knights were working to complete the final preparations, Dayvon slowly descended the steps of the palace. He was wearing a perfectly cut black military uniform. His uniform had several silver motifs that accentuated his royal rank. A dark cape was attached to his silver epaulettes, which gave his outfit a presence that was both authoritarian and powerful presence.

  At his side, Lucas and Arden advanced quietly, being almost unrecognizable. Thanks to the spell Hallan had cast moments earlier, their hair had turned brown and their eyes green, erasing any visible trace of their royal bloodline.

  For this trip, they had worn simple civilian clothes: white shirts, accompanied by black pants and mid-high black leather boots. Their simple appearance deliberately contrasted with the military presence of the guards and knights who surrounded them.

  Seeing the slight agitation that reigned in front of him, Lucas remained motionless, his face shining with an excitement that he struggled to contain, and his heart pounding in a way he hadn't expected. Arden, by his side, gave him a discreet look. Seeing him frozen, he let a slight smile appear on his lips.

  "It's the big day!" Arden said with an amused look, while patting Lucas on the back.

  "I'Il show you all the fun places in Webster County," he added with a wide smile on his lips.

  Dayvon watched Arden and Lucas with a half-amused, half-serious expression. His features remained calm, but deep down, he appreciated the positive energy that Arden gave off.

  But as he observed them, a knight of the Ebony Rose approached him, and respectfully bowed his head.

  "Your Highness, everything is ready. We can leave at your command."

  Dayvon stared at him silently for a few seconds, as if evaluating the man in front of him.

  "What's your name?" He asked calmly.

  The knight raised his head, slightly surprised, then replied respectfully:

  "I am Sir Santias, my prince. I'm the knight of the Ebony Rose, leading the squad assigned to assist you on this mission. "

  Santias is a young man with brown hair and silver eyes, with a beautiful natural build.

  Dayvon stared at him for a few more seconds, then nodded slightly with a satisfied look. After that, he turned to Arden and Lucas who were talking to each other, then with a simple wave of his hand, he signaled them to get into the carriage.

  Lucas smiled and hurried down the palace steps to head towards the central carriage. But as soon as he arrived at the door, he turned to observe behind him, and noticed Arden holding the reins of a white horse with a glossy coat.

  "Huh... why isn't Arden riding with us?" Lucas asked, looking lost.

  Dayvon, who was right behind him, sighed slightly and said:

  "You'd best ask him yourself. "

  Arden climbed on his mount, and gave Lucas a quiet look.

  "I prefer riding a horse. I really like feeling the sensation of the wind on my face," he replied simply, with the playful smile that characterized him.

  Lucas stared at him for a moment, slightly perplexed, but he eventually chuckled softly. He then got into the carriage and sat across from Dayvon, who was already settled in, but the latter had a thoughtful look as he stared out the window.

  Outside, the horses whinnied with impatience, and the royal guards dressed in light armor on their impeccable uniforms, took position around the convoy. Ten of them formed a tight formation, while the knights of the Ebony Rose, each on their mount, also arranged themselves on both sides, their white capes floating in the breeze.

  Santias raised his hand, and the massive doors of the palace slowly opened in a dull rumble. The convoy started in a synchronized movement, the horses' hooves clattering on the cobblestones with a regular rhythm.

  When the convoy left the royal estate, Lucas' eyes were already amazed, looking through the carriage window, his heart beating fast.

  Thus began Lucas's first journey, and the beginning of his first adventures beyond the royal domain.